The concept of obedience in the Holy Qur'an is like a string of prayer beads connecting the pearls of the cosmic system and establishing a profound relationship between human actions and their consequences within the divine order. This concept, rooted in the Divine Active Names (Asma' Fi'liyah), refers to a harmonious order in the universe where every human act finds a commensurate reflection. Obedience in the Qur'an manifests in two dimensions: obedience to truth, which leads to guidance and perfection, and obedience to falsehood, which results in misguidance and deprivation. This treatise, adopting a scholarly and solemn approach, analyses the verses related to obedience in the chapters of Al-Muminun, Al-Qasas, Al-Mursalat, Al-Baqarah, Yunus, An-Nisa, Saba, Fussilat, and Al-Isra. The objective of this research is to provide a comprehensive explanation of this fundamental concept, which, like a beacon, illuminates the path to understanding the Qur'anic value system for readers.
M tasbiqu min ummatin ajalah wa m yastakhirn
Thumma arsaln rusulan tatr; kullam ja ummatun rasluh kadhdhabhu faatban badahum badan wa jaalnhum adth; fa budan liqawmin l yuminn
No nation can precede its appointed term, nor can they delay it. Then We sent Our messengers in succession. Whenever a messenger came to a people, they denied him; thus We caused some to follow others, and We made them tales. So, woe to a people who do not believe.
The Harmonious Order of the Universe: This verse emphasises the precise and divine order in the universe whereby no nation can precede or delay its appointed term, as if the cosmos moves flawlessly like a meticulous clockwork.
Succession of the Prophets: The sending of messengers "in succession" indicates an ordered sequence in divine guidance, akin to beads on a neatly strung rosary.
Denial by Nations: The rejection of prophets by their peoples exemplifies human independence and free will, a double-edged sword that can lead either to perfection or to deficiency.
Majestic Obedience: The phrase "We caused some to follow others" refers to majestic obedience, where rebellious nations follow one another into destruction and become tales in history.
Deprivation of the Disbelievers: "Woe to a people who do not believe" signifies divine distancing from mercy for those who reject faith, like a traveller left behind by the caravan of guidance.
This verse reflects the contingent order of the universe in which the sending of prophets, the denial by peoples, and the consequent destruction of the rebellious occur sequentially. Majestic obedience is the natural outcome of nations actions, which, in the absence of acceptance of truth, leads to deprivation. This system invites humanity to reflect on their responsibility in exercising free will.
M yti min nabiyyin ill kn bihi yastahzin
No prophet came except that they were mocked.
Human Independence: Denial of the prophets is a sign of human freedom and autonomy that releases a person from determinism, like a bird whose wings are free to fly.
Mockery of the Prophets: Mockery arises from arrogance and self-conceit, preventing acceptance of truth, as if a veil of pride covers the eye of the heart.
The Virtue and Vice of Denial: Denial of falsehood is commendable, but denial of truth is a mark of arrogance and deficiency.
The Power of Sin: God has granted humans the power to sin, a gem reflecting human dignity, but its misuse leads to deficiency and deprivation.
This independence distinguishes humans from lifeless sacks where anything may be contained. Denial and mockery are virtuous when directed against falsehood but lead to misguidance and deprivation when directed against truth. This point calls humans to ponder the use of their free will.
Wa atbanhum f hdhihi ad-duny lanatan wa yawmal-qiymati hum minal-maqbhn
And We followed them in this world with a curse, and on the Day of Resurrection they will be among the despised.
Following with Curse: "We followed them" means that a curse pursues those who obey falsehood in this world, like a shadow inseparable from the sin.
The Despised in the Hereafter: On Resurrection Day, these individuals will be among the despised, as if expelled from the caravan of divine mercy.
Contingent System: Obedience in this verse is the consequence of human actions, leading to curse in this world and disgrace in the hereafter.
This verse portrays the contingent divine system whereby obedience to falsehood, whether through ignorance or intent, leads humans toward curse and deprivation. This system invites reflection on one's choices.
Alam nuhlikil-awwaln
Thumma nutbiuhumul-khirn
Kadhlika nafalu bil-mujrimn
Did We not destroy the former peoples? Then We followed them with the later ones. Thus do We deal with the criminals.
Destruction of the Former Peoples: God destroyed the former nations due to rebellion and denial, like a building collapsing on a weak foundation.
Following the Later Ones: "We followed them with the later ones" means the replacement of nations,
